Thursday, April 30, 2009

For instance, I snapped up this Urban Outfitters Silence & Noise Printed Poplin Skirt on the clearance rack for less than 25 bucks! It's probably as close to the IKAT trend as I'll get and I loved the bright hits of violet too!

Monday, April 27, 2009

It’s not often I walk into a retail space and sigh out loud with pure contentment.... but such was the rare case at Stemz.

The warm smell of spring flows through this open concept floral studio on Queen East but the delight goes way beyond your olfactory bulb...

When you enter the narrow sun-lit space you are literally presented with a visual feast of fauna styled against a historic brick wall, chalkboards with price listings and an elegant cold storage framed in classic mouldings.

You can see the creativity by looking at the innovative and interesting containers used for the arrangements, and the linen-covered setee, white-washed mirror and vintage sink add extra charm.

Stemz services customers walking in off the street looking for some blooms to take home, but their real bread and butter is weddings and special events.

There are also workshops offered for people looking to develop their floral skills (perhaps a sweet mother's day activity to try...)

Friday, April 24, 2009

Before I sign off for the weekend, click here to read a hysterical timeline of how Toronto shoppers reacted to the debut of the Matthew Williamson capsule collection at H&M yesterday.

While the select pieces Williamson designed are fun and flirty with his signature bold use of colour, I don't think they're necessarily worth the unusually-inflated H&M price tag. If I was to pony up the cash though, it would be for this rich chocolate leather biker jacket! Fierce!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Established in 1980, Texas-based Jan Showers & Associates turns out spectacular livable interiors with a dash of the unexpected. Showers' elegant use of colour, pattern and texture results in multi-layered rooms that look comfortable yet chic. Even the more traditional looks read fun and delightful, as opposed to fussy and dull.

In addition to her design practice, Showers also runs her own showroom in Dallas which sells unusual antiques, decorative pieces and her own line of furnishings, lighting and accessories.

Monday, April 13, 2009

One can never go wrong with a standout piece of costume jewelry that makes them feel like a billion ornamented bucks. The statement necklace has fulfilled that job for many, but I haven’t seen that many chunky necklaces that I’d try out myself.

Made of wood, vintage brass links and swarovski & czech crystals, this beauty is quite the accessory and may be the one to change my mind! Made by Tanielle Franklin, it retails for $280 and is both commanding but feminine with its large scale yet sparkling materials.

I spotted local designer Franklin wearing a version at an event and I commented on how much I loved it – but little did I know she had made it herself!

For more information on Tenielle Franklin's jewelry, check out Tenielledesign.com or visit her etsy store to purchase.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Angus and Co, the high end home shop owned by designer John Angus, is a welcoming and homey spot off the corner of Dupont and Christie . The bright-lit space houses vignettes that look like they were torn off the pages of a design glossy, making you feel right at home while browsing from the various home wares.

The two-storey shop stocks a hodge podge of antique and contemporary furnishings and decorative objects, but the overwhelming ambiance of the store feels more heritage and heirloom than mod design pod.

The collection of vintage-looking silver accessories makes a great gift and the classic collection of glassware, table lamps, end tables and accessories are good treats for yourself too!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Aching to make your seder super groovy? Do as Susie Fishbein does and skip the same old seder plate and put the symbolic foods in a bento box instead! You may not be able to eat sushi for 8 days, but you can at least go Asian in your presentation for the traditional meal.